Warm reception for whip revisions
Senior jockeys in action at Exeter gave a cautious nod of approval to the British Horseracing Authority’s latest set of amendments to the whip rules.
Due to the unpopularity of the restrictions unveiled in October, when riders exceeding the fixed number of strikes of the whip were handed stiff suspensions and often stripped of their prize money, the BHA have been forced to climb down and the latest changes are the fourth set of revisions to the rules.
A limit of eight hits for Flat jockeys and nine for jumps still stands but rather than there being an automatic punishment, the stewards will be required to look at the ride and decide whether or not to hold an inquiry.
They will take into account reasons why a rider used the whip more times, and can disregard extra strikes. The penalty system has also changed with bans reduced and previous offences not taken into account, rather than the previous directive of bans multiplying for recent transgressors.
“Everyone seems a lot happier,” said Tom Scudamore. “The main crux of it was the punishments and we’re very pleased to see that discretion will now be used by the stewards.
“We all know we have to play by the rules – I’d rather drive over 70 miles per hour on the motorway but I know I’m not allowed to.
“Everyone is trying their best to make it work and (BHA chief executive) Paul Bittar seems very approachable.
“It’s good that he and Paul Struthers (Professional Jockeys’ Association Chief Executive) have been talking and working towards something everyone is happy with.
“What annoyed us in October was that there was no discussion, we were just told ’these are the rules’. The proof will be in the pudding, but at least everyone is talking.”
Several of Scudamore’s colleagues were similarly supportive.
“I’m so bored of the whip,” said Leighton Aspell with a resigned smile. “I was never bothered about the number of hits, for me it was the penalties which were the issue.
“I am glad they met us at half-way – I spoke to all the jockeys about it and we are going to be as helpful as we can (with the stewards) and they are going to be helpful to us. You still have to keep the number in your mind.
“I suppose there are going to be variations – one jockey might feel hard-done-by when he has gone over the limit because the stewards one day at Exeter are going to be different to the stewards at Fontwell the next day. That’s probably the only issue.”
Richard Johnson, who has ridden in more races than any other National Hunt jockey this season, said: “Hopefully it will work out and when you give a horse a good ride you won’t be penalised.
“I think with all these things, the longer you get used to them the better, and it has been a big change from what the rules used to be.
“I hope they keep monitoring the situation in case changes need to be made, but the fact they are now using their discretion is a good thing.”
Trainer Oliver Sherwood was rather less diplomatic, but added: “In my opinion they shouldn’t have changed anything in the first place as they shouldn’t be pandering to the do-gooders who don’t know about horses in general.
“I do hope it settles down, though, as we don’t want headlines for the wrong reason at the moment.”
While no rider fell foul of the rules at Exeter, Jan Faltejsek was banned for four days (March 20-23) for his use of the whip aboard Winstone, winner of the St James Place Novices’ Hurdle at Newcastle.
